Lashes will always be a definitive way to enhance your look. Like a swipe of rose-toned gloss or a pinky-nude lipstick, they can instantly make you look more put together. Recently, the TikTok beauty crew has been using false sets to do just that with the latest cat eye lash trend. Unlike some of the others, this trend isn’t about being big and bold or standing out. Instead, it focuses on creating a custom collection of lashes that help elongate the shape of your eye, giving you a natural built-in cat eye.
On TikTok, creators are donning the look with equally au naturel makeup. But the style is far from new and has long been favored by celebrities like Selena Gomez, Nicki Minaj, and Megan Thee Stallion, who frequently sport the elongated cat eye look. Still, the trend is sparking interest in novice and seasoned lash wearers. Which is why we turned to the experts to learn more. Ahead, three makeup artists break down the cat eye lash trend and share their tips for perfecting the look.
Featured experts
- Erika La’Pearl is a celebrity makeup artist
- Beau Nelson is a celebrity makeup artist and the director of LASHIFY Pro
- Alicia Zeng is the founder of Lilac St
What are cat eye hybrid lashes?
Cat eye hybrid lashes are a style of lashes designed to mimic the winged look of a cat eye. Unlike full lash extensions, it focuses on adding volume and length at the outer corners to create a sultry look. The result is a fluttery look that enhances the shape of your eyes, making them the main focus. “Cat eye hybrid lashes give the appearance of a lifted cat-like eye due to the way the lashes are placed along the lash line,” says Nelson. La’Pearl explains that the look begins with a classic style of short lashes placed at the inner corners of the eye and ends with a longer, more voluminous style towards the outer corners. The unique combination instantly delivers a sexy and alluring look, making the eyes the focal point of the makeup.
Though cat eye lashes have become a viral trend on TikTok, the pros note that the technique is nothing new. The trend uses the popular lash mapping method to create the look. “Lash mapping is a technique used to apply lash extensions or cluster lashes in a way that is customized to fit the unique shape of your eye,” says La’Pearl. The approach is used to enhance using specific lash styles. “Think of it as being able to design your lash look. Shorter and wispier lashes for the inner corner and then longer and denser lashes for the outer corners, mirroring how your natural lashes grow and look,” says Zeng.
This technique can also be used to change the appearance of your eye’s shape. “For example, a doe-eyed look is longer in the center of the eye than the beginning or end. It gives the illusion of a rounded eye,” says Nelson. For the trend, you can opt for an elevated natural look or get creative with spiky, curled styles.
How to do the cat eye lash trend
To create the lightly feathered, winged effect, you need to use several lash clusters that increase in length and volume. “pre-map the lashes and lay them out in order beforehand so you can see the shape,” says Nelson. Next, use a cleanser and lightly rub your natural lashes to remove excess oils and prep them for application.
The bonding method is as essential as the placement, so be sure to choose a glue that dries tacky for applying but also has a secure hold. If you’re using lash glue, La’Pearl suggests applying the glue to the ends of the lash band and then placing it on slowly to get the placement right.
“Start with a light, short cluster of lashes and increase as you go along, to get the winged look. Once you get to the end, you can add a few extras to accentuate and highlight the wing,” says La’Pearl. For longevity, Nelson recommends placing the lashes one mm away from the root of the natural lash to avoid contact with your eyes’ natural moisture and oils as you wear them.
Products to try for cat eye lashes
